AN INSPIRATIONAL Middleton teenager who left school aged 12 to tend to her dying mother has returned to the classroom - as a teacher.

Nineteen-year-old Stephanie Hill, who lives in Moorclose, landed a job as a training advisor with locally based charity Rathbone in Oldham.

She'll help some of the regions most troubled youngsters overcome personal obstacles to find work or progress in education, just as the charity helped her.

And so impressed are her new employers she's been named as Rathbone's 'Entry to Employment Achiever of the Year' in a lavish ceremony held in Westminster in May.

Stephanie first approached Rathbone in February last year, and the charity helped her turn her life around. In 18 months she went from a teen with an uncertain future to being appointed a training advisor at the charity.

Along the way she gained employment at a major retailer and as a receptionist at the charities Oldham base, gaining the confidence and the skills to succeed in her new job along the way.

And now she's planning a teaching degree at the University of Huddersfield.

The 19-year-old has already been a hit with staff and youngsters at the centre.

Rathbone Centre Manager for Oldham, Candice Langley said: "Within days of her appointment, she began to get through to the young people.

"One young person in particular, who had problems controlling his temper, has responded to her soft and caring approach and is progressing on to a career as a plumber.

"Stephanie never stops caring about young people. From the minute she joined the team she became a mentor for those who had problems.

"She even gives up her spare time to encourage youngsters get involved in looking after the environment. She is a truly remarkable young person and an inspiration to all those who want to make a better future for themselves."

Rathbone is dedicated to provide training and education opportunities to young people facing great personal challenges.

If you would like to find out more on how Rathbone can help you or someonewho know about, contact Rathbone in Oldham, or log on to www.rathboneuk.org or email Oldham@rathboneuk.org